The
way we manage land quality issues affects the whole environment.
Without adequate vegetation cover and land management, nutrients,
chemicals and soil particles are washed from the land into rivers,
creeks, estuaries and the marine environment (ANZECC
Core Indicators 2000). This runoff from the landscape can have
negative impacts on our health and aquatic life. Maintaining vegetation
cover to stabilise soil and landforms is critical for protecting
biological diversity, sustainable primary production and a stabilised
landscape. Consequently, many issues discussed here are closely
related to matters covered in the sections on Biodiversity and Inland
Waters.

There
are five core indicators for SOE reporting as it applies to land
– these are listed below.

Land
use and management

Erosion

Salinisation

Acidification,
and

Contamination

All
of these pressures are closely associated with population expansion,
industrial and agricultural development. Given the projections for
growth in all three of these in Townsville, the preserving the environmental
values of the land is an important challenge for the city and the
region.

The
pressures on land may be understood by examining the extent, severity
and cause of soil erosion and degradation, salinity, acidification
and issues surrounding the disturbance of acid sulphate soils (ASS).
These pressures also include contaminated
land, where specific contamination has occurred on individual
sites. Different and changing land-uses are a major reason for changes
in environmental condition. Land management practices associated
with different uses have varying effects on the ecological functions,
attributes, and processes. There is currently no national land use
map (Core Indicators 2000). As land is developed for different uses
or use changes from one to another, potential environmental impacts
may not always be adequately taken into account. Past land management
practices have included filling of mangrove “wastelands” for development
and landfills and filling of tidal areas for aquaculture purposes.
Many such developments, some of which fail for economic reasons,
were with the benefit of hindsight clearly undesirable in land quality
and broader environmental terms.

Currently
well understood constraints to land use – in terms of protecting
environmental values include: preserving of water supply catchments
and aquifers, minimising disturbance of acid sulphate soils in low
lying lands (5 metres AHD), site wetness – wetland indicator, soil
reactivity and responsiveness, good quality agricultural land (good
soils), steeply sloping land (high erosion potential), susceptibility
to storm surge and flood.

Soil
erosion though a natural process, can be by poor land management.
Poorly managed land can cause pollution impacts (transport of sediment/silt)
and also future land failure (loss of sediment/silt) . Inappropriate
human activities such as mismanaged recreational use of steep slopes
or low lying areas and vegetation clearing can lead to similar results.
Exposure and clearing of vegetation on even low lying poorly structured
soils (dispersive clays) and on steep slopes can degrade both the
landform itself and impact on downstream aquatic environments via
sedimentation.

There
are also substantial economic costs for clearing drains of sediment,
managing weeds and installing pollution trap infrastructure. There
is also loss of public amenity when soil and sediments are deposited
in drains, creeks and waterways – something which can lead to unwanted
grass and weed growth.

Townsville’s
environment is characterised by harsh seasonal contrasts peculiar
to monsoonal and seasonally dry climates. Our local landscape and
vegetation reflect these climatic extremes. Our local environments
typically include low lying fresh and marine/estuarine wetlands,
rivers, creeks and tropical savanna hills. These hills provide the
scenic backdrop to Townsville’s urban environment and protect catchments
(soil, water and vegetation) where they remain undeveloped (Mt.
Stuart, Muntalunga, Sisters, Many Peaks Ranges, Mt. Louisa and Castle
Hill). These same hills are also in a relatively pristine condition
with few weeds probably due to seasonal dryness and lack of human
related impacts (i.e. forestry, grazing, mining, housing). Freshwater
and estuarine creeks and wetlands protect our coastline and to an
extent buffer the marine environment from human impacts (sediment
and pollutants). Hills have also proven in recent years to be vulnerable
to serious erosion events. As a consequence of land slips on Castle
Hill (2000) and Magnetic Island (1998) the city has learned very
clearly that Townsville is much more unstable in terms of soil and
geology than previously thought.

Managing
water catchments is vital to maintaining land quality by preventing
erosion, retaining trees and grass cover, and ensuring high water
quality in rivers and creeks. This aspect of land quality is discussed
under Inland Waters and Townsville Stormwater Management section
of this report.

Climatic
and topographical factors and soil and vegetation conditions interact
in complex processes to produce varying runoff water quality within
the Townsville region (TTSP NRM NRWG 1996). There are four gauging
stations, which monitor river levels and flows in the Townsville
LGA. Flow records are available for Ross, Bohle, Majors, and Alligator
Creek. Based on records of stream-flow data, TTSP has estimated
long term average runoff (see table below).

Basin
#

Basin
Name

Basin
Area(km2)

Mean
Annual Runoff(x 1000 Ml)

Mean
Annual Rainfall(mm)

RO/RF%

%
of BasinGauger

1180

BOHLE

303

38

1028

22

54

1181

ROSS

858

108

1028

14

87

1181

ALLIGATOR

143

32

1028

45

48

1190

MAJOR

568

105

1197

19

82

Catchment
Condition has been investigated broadly by previous government agencies
(The Condition of River Catchments in Queensland DPI 1993) and broadly
discussed locally by community Landcare (Section 1 - "Whole
of Catchment Approach"in their document "Community Plan
for Natural Resources Management in Townsville-Thuringowa.).

A Whole of Catchment Approach

Produced
by Townsville Thuringowa Landcare Association

Land Use Constraints

TCC
has undertaken land use constraints mapping that has identified
a number of key themes. These include: water supply catchments and
aquifers, acid sulphate soil potential and exposure in low lying
lands (<5 metres AHD), site wetness (an important wetland indicator),
soil reactivity and responsiveness, good quality agricultural land,
steeply sloping land (high erosion potential), storm surge and flood
liable lands.

Following
a series of wet periods, severe and naturally occurring land slips
and debris flows can occur and in the past have impacted on built
up areas (housing and tourist accommodation). This phenomenon has
drawn attention to the issue of landscape stability of surrounding
dry tropical hills and slopes.

Click ESYS image to enlarge - Land use

Land Condition

Land
condition is an associated indicator which, is covered in this
section. In the condition assessment of Queensland Catchments produced
by the Department of Primary Industries it was stated that there
has been little change in vegetation cover since settlement other
than due to urbanisation – 4% loss of low open woodland (The Condition
of River Catchments of Queensland – DPI 1993). Reports by the Department
of Natural Resources - Land Cover Change (1990-1995 & 1995-2000
DNR) confirms this. A recent land cover assessment of Townsville
LGA made a 'snap shot' comparison between two years (1996
& 2001)
and confirms that little change has occurred recently, except for
small areas of urban development (see
map).

Landscape
condition also describes the degree and impact of pest plants and
animals. Such infestations have been broadly mapped for the Townsville
area (TCC Draft Pest Management Plan and TCC
Revegetation Strategy.pdf 242kb).
Evidence suggests that feral pigs also play a significant role in
the spread and propagation of native weeds (EPA, 1999). The impact
of feral animals and plants on the land requires further review
and analysis.

Wildfire
and vegetation management also have an impact on land (catchment)
condition. However this element of land management is addressed
under Biodiversity.

In
addition Council has issued 165 Environmental Approvals for activities
such as petrochemical product storage, wood product manufacturers,
boiler making, engineering businesses and dog kennels. A licensed
ERA imposes regulation on waste and pollution management during
operations of the activity. The type of environmental protection
required is not always specified in operational licences, but is
determined by the business in accordance with the relevant Trade
Waste Policy and environmental legislation. In summary, an operation
cannot discharge to stormwater but only to sewer, unless it can
demonstrate that any discharge conforms with acceptable water quality
limits. Some business activities may require bunding for storage
of chemicals and fuels, and oil/water separators to treat wastewater
prior to entering sewer.

All
licensees are required to submit an annual return and are subject
to environmental audits and inspections. At any one time there may
be unlicensed activities operating in the community. These activities
are eventually reported to Council or the EPA and may be subject
to legal action under the Environmental Protection Act.

Soil Erosion

Townsville’s
unique climate and soils pose specific challenges for soil erosion
and sediment control. These features are not overlooked by Local
or State Authorities.

Townsville’s
climate features intense rain events (generally associated with
monsoonal or cyclonic rains) which demand management of deep and
fast water flows over steep slopes and flooding on the plains. Conversely,
the combination of extended dry periods, poor soil cover, disturbances
and strong winds produce wind erosion and dust nuisances that must
be managed.

Also
of particular importance are the varied landscapes and soils of
the Townsville area. Soil erosion control structures must be designed
to take into account steep slopes, shallow rocky soils, clay-rich
ancient marine sediments and soils formed on stream sediments with
a strong tendency to disperse, swell/shrink, crack, or erode.

Soil
erosion and sediment control is therefore an important issue in
Townsville and receives a particular focus from State and Local
Government.

The
Queensland Environmental Protection Act (1994), for example, states
that a person must not undertake activities that cause or threaten
to cause harm to the environment. Any activities that do so are
liable to penalties under the Act.

The
Townsville City Council works within the framework of the Environmental
Protection Act 1994 which, among other things, requires developers
to prepare soil erosion and sediment control plans for development
sites (e.g. Fairfield; Annandale; Riverside Gardens).

In
recent years self regulating controls have been implemented by the
development industry on new housing subdivisions. These include
sediment traps, detention ponds, jute matting, sediment fences and
drainage-ways. However, these controls are not always properly designed,
installed, maintained or monitored. Where this is the case, offenders
may be fined or, in the worst cases, prosecuted.

To
raise awareness of soil erosion and sediment control policies and
management strategies, Council has sponsored a soil erosion and
sediment control (SESCP)
training course plus made available other
information.

The
SESCP training
course is designed for the building/urban development industry
and the urban/rural land management sectors. The course is focused
on the needs of both practitioners and regulators.

Training
in appropriate methods of soil erosion and sediment control is of
increasing importance. Both individuals and companies are now liable
to significant fines under Sections 31 and 32 of the Queensland
Government’s Environmental Protection Policy (Water). It is now
illegal to place sediment or pollutants in a position that they
can enter waterways. The EPA has power to issue on-the-spot fines
under these sections of the EPA Water Policy. Penalties that range
from between 50 and 4165 penalty units ($3750 to $312,375 in 2001)
or imprisonment for 5 years can be levied under the Act.

SESCP
Courses have been held annually in September. For enquiries
about the SESCP
course, contact Integrated Sustainability Services at TCC on
4727 9520.

Contaminated Sites:

Currently,
contaminated sites are registered with the EPA Contaminated Land
Unit in Brisbane. Although Council is notified of inclusion of these
sites on the Environmental Management or Contaminated Land registers,
there is currently no available mapping or detailed analysis of
the potential for environmental harm. Council does, however, maintain
records on Contaminated Land. Existing landfills are run in accordance
with approved Council’s own Environmental Management Plans and State
Government obligations under the Environment Protection Act. The EPA on Contaminated land
in Queensland and Townsville.

In
relation to the pressures that impact on the environmental quality
of the land in the Townsville region the City Council has developed
a number of responses.

TCC has recently completed an Assessment
of Loss of Undisturbed Vegetation by Satellite Imagery. This assessment
by Esys Consulting Pty Ltd, provides a snap shot comparison of Land
condition and vegetation
loss between 1996
and 2001.
This work complements the work by DNR (Land Cover Change) and provides
a more detailed analysis for these two time periods (1996
& 2001).
In combination, the studies show that there has been little loss
of vegetation in recent years in Townsville.

A Land
Use Constraints Analysis was established for Townsville Thuringowa
(TTSP Land Use Constraints Analysis 1997) and led to a final results
map. This was subsequently used in finalising the Regional Strategy
Plan and can also be used by Council for land use decisions. This
mapping include acid sulphate soils and erosion risk mapping (refer
TCC GIS and Soil Erosion Guidelines).

Council
is currently undertaking a new town planning process under the Integrated
Planning Act (1997) or City Plan. This new plan is due for completion
by end of 2003 and will help to guide and direct efforts to manage
all environmental aspects of development and urban growth.

Council
has prepared guidelines to help developers to comply with the city’s
environmental management strategies (Soil Erosion Sediment Control;
Open Space and Landscape Transitional Policies). Other guidelines
under preparation cover appropriate landscape design; architectural
aesthetics; the long-term maintenance requirement of the development;
the energy efficiency of the development; and the environmental
impact of the project.

The
TCC is now requiring development to set aside riverbank and wetland
environments in projects on the mainland (Riverside Gardens and
Fairfield) and on Magnetic Island (Horseshoe Bay and Nelly Bay).

We
are requiring Environmental Management Planning for large scale
developments and industry;

Council
can report environmental offences (soil erosion, sediment, and rubbish)
under Sections 31 and 32 of the Environmental Protection Policy
(Water) to the EPA for action.

Developing
a native plant guide and CD-ROM for landscape architects and builders/developers

TCC
has also completed a Land Stability Study and adopted a Transitional
Planning Policy for Land Stability to ensure land is developed and
built on appropriately. Maps of steeply sloping land are also available
to assist Council in land use decision making

Soil Erosion and Sediment
Control
(Policy, Guidelines and Courses)

Townsville
City Council recognises that it can assist many in the community
to control and prevent soil erosion through well targeted programs
and leadership on the issue. We are working with the community in
various ways to demonstrate leadership and foster tangible improvements
in this area. For example, the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control
Policy is reducing erosion risk through targeted training and techniques,
and the use of Acid Sulphate Soils (ASS) training kits.

A Soil
Erosion Risk Map is provided as part of the TCC Soil Erosion Guidelines.

In
light of the dangerous landslides of recent years in the city and
on Magnetic Island, TCC has brought in rules that require developers
to better address land stability constraints. TCC recognised that
it can assist many in the community to control and prevent soil
erosion through well targeted programs and leadership on the issue.
The TCC is working with the community in various ways to demonstrate
leadership and foster tangible improvements in this area.

To
assist planners, regulators and engineers with ability to effectively
manage and regulate development/building sites, Council in collaboration
with leading professionals in the soil and water management industry
has coordinated the formation of a five
day Soil Erosion and Planning Course for North Queensland. This
has meant accredited professionals are beginning to emerge across
the whole of Northern Australia throughout the development and building
industry. To date, 87 people from local government, engineering,
environmental and building industry have completed the course from
across Northern Australia (Mackay to Northern Territory). Of these
18 have become qualified as accredited Soil Erosion and Sediment
Control practitioners in Northern Australia. Click for information about the
SESCP Course.

Soil
erosion awareness training for builders and subcontractors has also
been coordinated by TCC and delivered to 80 people from the building
industry.

Council
has also recently adopted a Transitional Planning Policy on Soil
Erosion and Sediment Control. This policy provides the guidelines
and directions for managing soil, water and sediment on development
sites. The Policy is accompanied by a set of flyers about
on-site Soil and Sediment Control. Council produced these documents
based on information obtained from Brisbane City Council and the
Engineering Institute of Queensland.

In
order to inform the public about the role that TCC Environmental
Health Services plays in the Community, the Department has developed
a series of interpretative posters under the title "…is
a part of environmental Health". See below:

In
addition TCC Environmental Health Services with the support of other
Council departments, is producing a "Healthy
Cities Plan". This plan takes into account all aspects
of a Healthy City, including life style, recreation, natural environment,
water quality, air pollution, as well as traditional environmental
health concerns (e.g.. safe practices, waste management, preventative
health, and mosquitos).

Contaminated Land

Council
has a number of programs in place in relation to the identification,
remediation and monitoring of contaminated sites. The Council is
responding to the problem of contaminated land in three main ways.

In
the first instance, the Council is working to improve knowledge
and risk management in relation to the large number of contaminated
sites in the Townsville local government area. Currently, the Council
is assembling a range of data sources on contaminated sites – some
held at State Government level, others locally – in order to produce
a more definitive assessment of existing and potential contaminated
land.

This
initiative has been commenced in part due to the inadequacy of existing
information available. Presently, proven contaminated land which
is causing or may cause serious environmental harm is listed with
the Queensland EPA on the Contaminated Land Register (CLR). Sites
recorded on the Environmental Management Register (EMR), on the
other hand, pose a low risk to human health and the environment
under the current land use. Research by the Townsville City Council
has identified some sites which are listed on neither.

The
program of information gathering by the Council would incorporate
CLR, EMR and other sites into a Geographic Information System (GIS)
that would, in addition to location, cover ownership, level of contamination,
and existing or previous environmental management programs applied.
This will significantly improve the capacity of the Council to plan
and manage the risks potentially posed to the local environment.

The
second area where the City Council is responding is in requiring
detailed site assessments to be undertaken when applications or
proposals for use or change of use of registered contaminated land
are made then detailed site assessments are undertaken (e.g. Reid
Park; Soundshell).

The
third area of council response relates to on-ground remediation
works to reduce the risks posed by contaminated sites. TCC has
in place a number innovative urban stormwater management programs
designed to improve the quality of freshwater resources on land
and flowing into Cleveland Bay. Funded by the National Heritage
Trust and the Urban Storm Water Initiative, EMS has coordinated
these projects with consultants, Citiworks, and local community
groups. A number of these programs are outlined below.

Bicentennial
Park is an old landfill along the Ross River and follow overland
stormwater flow problems has had erosion of the bank leading to
exposing of landfill rubbish. In 2000 this site was remedied with
best practice riverbank protection and overland stormwater management.
This work was based on Soil and Water Management Planning previously
carried out by Council for the ex-landfill site.

Reid Park
is one of Townsville’s contaminated sites, the scene of a disused
landfill. TCC has established a stormwater management system here
which is built into the abandoned landfill site. The trilock lined
gross pollutant trap feeds water into a constructed tidal saltwater
wetland for nutrient scrubbing and sediment removal. Both the gross
pollutant trap and the wetland are tidally flushed.

Another
contaminated site in Townsville which the City Council is addressing
is the North Railway
Yards. A subsurface stormwater drain feeding from Walker Street
to the Ross Creek has been installed. Using riblock lining technology,
the 100m long stormwater pipe has been plastic lined. This has extended
the longevity of the concrete pipe and has prevented the intrusion
into the pipe of contaminated water from the railway yards soil.

Stormwater
management systems associated with light industrial areas are an
important means of minimising land contamination by preventing stormwater
pollution from reaching the waterways. These projects also have
the benefit of inculcating an appreciation of urban waterways and
therefore lending pressure against the lands becoming contaminated
in the first place. Some of these type of projects in place in Townsville
include:

Lakes Stage 2:
This project is a linear stormwater treatment system incorporating
a litter trap, rock lined channel, gross pollutant trap with tri-lock
and a freshwater wetland and another rock lined channel. It polishes
stormwater from a light industrial area that feeds into the Lakes.
Sunfish, Townsville Port Authority and Conservation Volunteers Australia
are involved in the environmental monitoring of the site.

Greg Jabs
Court: This is a former Council trapezoidal drain that had become
choked with typha and paragrass. This drain serviced a light industrial
area and become an ineffective hydraulic corridor. This project
saw the grasses removed from the drain, riparian vegetation planted
along the banks, and a stormwater management system constructed.
This system consists of a gross pollutant trap, two rock ripples
and three constructed ponds.

Cumuglia Street:
Two lots were taken from a light industrial zone and an elaborate
stormwater management systems was developed. The system incorporates
three gross pollutant and sediment traps and a series of wetlands.
During low flows, water moves slowly through these wetlands, and
in high flows, stormwater flows straight over the top.